U.S. patent number 5,313,678 [Application Number 08/002,134] was granted by the patent office on 1994-05-24 for acoustical pillow.
Invention is credited to Frances H. Redewill.
United States Patent |
5,313,678 |
Redewill |
May 24, 1994 |
Acoustical pillow
Abstract
A pillow adapted to support the head of a user includes a core
having an axis extending through a central section and opposing end
sections. The central section has a thickness adapted to support
the head of a user and a length generally equivalent to the width
of the user's head. The end sections are bent from the central
section and are generally coextensive in a common direction to
provide the core with a U-shaped configuration. Portions of the
core define a slit extending into the core and a spring is disposed
in the slit to extend through the central section and into each of
the end sections. The spring has properties for biasing the end
sections toward each other to provide a snug fit relationship with
the ears of the user and thereby attenuate environmental sound.
Speakers can also be placed in the slit to accommodate transmission
of audio sound to the ears of the user. The pillow can be provided
with a pillow case surrounding the core and a tote bag permanently
attached to the pillow case. The tote bag has a stored position
within the pillow case and a tote position everted from the pillow
case for carrying the pillow. A method for carrying the pillow
includes the step of everting the tote bag over the pillow and
pillow case to carry the pillow.
Inventors: |
Redewill; Frances H. (Laguna
Hills, CA) |
Family
ID: |
21699368 |
Appl.
No.: |
08/002,134 |
Filed: |
January 8, 1993 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/639; 297/393;
381/301; 381/333; 381/388; 5/636; 5/642; 5/904 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C
21/003 (20130101); A47G 9/1045 (20130101); H04R
5/023 (20130101); Y10S 5/904 (20130101); A47G
2009/006 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A47C
21/00 (20060101); A47G 9/00 (20060101); A47G
9/10 (20060101); H04R 5/02 (20060101); A47G
009/00 (); H04R 005/02 () |
Field of
Search: |
;5/639,640,642,636,637,904 ;297/393
;381/24,87,88,90,183,187,188,205 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Grosz; Alexander
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Myers; Richard L.
Claims
I claim:
1. A pillow adapted to support the head of a user, comprising:
a core having an axis extending through a central section and
opposing end sections;
the central section having a thickness adapted to support the head
of a user with the spine of a user disposed in a cervically correct
configuration, the central section having a length generally
equivalent to the width of the head of the user;
the end sections being bent from the central section along the axis
of the core, and being generally coextensive in a common direction
to provide the core with a generally U-shaped configuration;
the central section and end sections having an outer surface and an
inner surface;
portions of the core defining a slit extending from one of the
surfaces into the core;
a spring disposed in the slit and extending through the central
section and into each of the end sections;
the spring having properties for biasing the end sections toward
each other to provide a snug fit relationship with the ears of the
user; whereby
the end sections tend to attenuate environmental sound by isolating
the ears of the user from the environment.
2. The pillow recited in claim 1 wherein the pillow is adapted for
use with a source of audio signal and further comprises:
a speaker disposed in the slit of each end section in close
proximity to the inner surface; and
a conductor adapted to engage the source and to transmit the audio
signal through the slit to each of the speakers.
3. The pillow recited in claim 2 wherein the speakers are attached
to the spring.
4. The pillow recited in claim 1 further comprising:
a pillow case surrounding the core of the pillow; and
a tote bag permanently attached to the pillow case, the tote bag
having a stored position within the pillow case and a tote position
everted from the pillow case for carrying the core and the pillow
case.
5. The pillow recited in claim 1 wherein the slit extends from the
inner surface toward the axis of the core.
6. A pillow adapted to support the head of a user and to be used
with a source of audio signal, comprising:
a solid, resilient core having an axis extending through a central
section and opposing end sections;
the central section having a thickness adapted to support the head
of a user with the spine of a user disposed in a cervically correct
configuration, the central section having a length generally
equivalent to the width of the head of the user;
the end sections being bent from the central section along the axis
of the core, and being generally coextensive in a common direction
to provide the core with a generally U-shaped configuration to
snugly engage the sides of the head of the user, proximate the ears
of the user;
the central section and end sections having an outer surface and an
inner surface;
portions of the core defining at least one slit extending from one
of the surfaces into the core;
a speaker disposed in the slit in close proximity to the inner
surface; and
a conductor adapted to engage the source and to transmit the audio
signal through the slit to the speaker.
7. The pillow recited in claim 6 further comprising:
a spring disposed in the slit and extending through the central
section and into each of the end sections; and
the spring having properties for biasing the end sections toward
each other to provide a snug fit relationship between the speaker
and the ear of the user.
8. The pillow recited in claim 6 further comprising:
portions defining a slot extending across one of the end sections
and communicating with the slit; and
the conductor extending from the speaker through the slit and the
slot to exit the pillow for external connection to the source of
audio signal.
9. The pillow recited in claim 6 further comprising:
a pillow case surrounding the core of the pillow; and
a tote bag permanently attached to the pillow case, the tote bag
having a stored position within the pillow case and a tote position
everted from the pillow case for carrying the core and the pillow
case.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to pillows and more specifically
to speaker pillows which are adapted to support the head of the
person lying thereon.
DISCUSSION OF THE PRIOR ART
When a person is resting, it is desirable to support his head in a
natural state with as little pressure applied to the head as
possible. Pillows are commonly used for this purpose. In pursuit of
that objection pillows have been adapted not only to elevate the
head of the user but also to provide a soft surface which increases
the area of contact and therefore decreases the pressure on the
head and neck of the user.
Particularly when one is attempting to rest in a noisy environment,
such as on an airplane, it is desirable to attenuate the noise
which of course is counterproductive to sleep. Earplugs are
commonly used for this purpose. In order to be effective, such
earplugs must be lodged with considerable force within the ear
canal. This force, particularly when applied over a long period of
time can be sufficiently objectionable that it also is
counterproductive to sleep.
It may also be desirable while resting to produce sound at a very
low level to sooth the user or perhaps aid in self-hypnosis or
subliminal suggestion. Audio headsets having a speaker for each ear
are sometimes used in conjunction with audio tapes or cassette
disks for this purpose. Where these headsets are used in a noisy
environment, the sound from the headsets must be elevated in order
to be audible over the background noise. When so elevated, the
audio sound may also be audible to others who often find the sound
objectionable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An acoustical pillow of the present invention overcomes these
shortcomings of the prior art. It includes an elongate pillow
having a core which extends along an axis through a central section
and into opposing end sections. In use, the central section
elevates and softly supports the head of the user thus functioning
as an orthopedic cervical pillow which allows the spine to rest
correctly and comfortably.
The end sections are bent from the central section and extend to
snugly engage the sides of the head thereby supporting the head in
an upright position which is squared with the shoulders of the
user. With the end sections of the pillow configured to snugly
engage the ears of the user, these sections attenuate any
environmental noise which may otherwise interfere with sleep. A
pair of speakers can also be provided in the end sections of the
pillow where they are positioned to be closely spaced to the ears
of the user.
A preferred embodiment includes a spring which extends through the
sections of the pillow and biases the end sections into the snug
fit relationship with the ears of the user. In this embodiment the
spring performs several functions. First, it aids in supporting the
head of the user in a squared relationship with the shoulders.
Second, it facilitates isolation of the ears of the user from
environmental noise. Third, it aids in maintaining the speakers in
a closely spaced relationship to the ears of the user thereby
facilitating communication of the audio sound. With the end
sections of the pillow attenuating environmental sound and the
speakers placed in close proximity to the user's ears, the audible
sound from the speakers can be maintained at a lower level which
does not interfere with the privacy of others.
In a preferred embodiment the pillow includes a tote bag which can
be stored within a pillow case during normal use, but which can be
everted from the pillow case to enclose the pillow. A strap
associated with the tote bag facilitates portability of the
acoustical pillow.
In one aspect of the invention, the speaker-pillow is adapted to
support the head of a user and includes a core having an axis and a
longitudinal surface extending between opposing end sections. The
axis is bent so that the end sections extend in a common direction.
A pair of speakers are disposed in the end sections and adapted to
face each other in close proximity to the user's ears. A spring is
disposed to extend into the end sections for biasing these sections
into a snug fit relationship with the ears of the user. A pillow
cover surrounds the pillow and an electrical cord extends from each
of the speakers through the pillow cover for connection to an audio
source.
In another aspect of the invention, the pillow does not include
speakers but the spring is included for biasing the end sections
against the ears of the user to attenuate environmental sound.
In a further aspect of the invention, the end sections in snug
engagement with the ears of the user provide means for facilitating
introduction of audio sound from the speakers while inhibiting
communication of undesirable noise from the environment to the ears
of the user.
These and other features and advantages of the invention will
become more apparent with a description of the best mode of the
invention and reference to the associated drawings.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the acoustical pillow of the
present invention connected to a tape player and supporting the
head of a user;
FIG. 2A-2C is an exploded view of the acoustical pillow;
FIG. 2a is a perspective view of a core of the pillow;
FIG. 2b is a perspective view of a cover of the pillow;
FIG. 2c is a perspective view of fiberfill surrounding the
pillow;
FIG. 2d is a perspective view of a pillow case associated with the
pillow;
FIG. 2e is a perspective view of an optional everting tote bag for
the pillow;
FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of one embodiment of the pillow of
the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the pillow of FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a top view of the pillow of FIG. 3;
FIG. 6 is a cross-section view taken along lines 6--6 of FIG.
4;
FIG. 7 is a cross-section view taken along lines 7--7 of FIG.
4;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment including the pillow
and the tote bag;
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the tote bag extending through an
opening in the pillow case and enveloping the pillow; and
FIG. 10 is a cross-section view of the opening taken along lines
10--10 of FIG. 9.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
An acoustical pillow is illustrated in FIG. 1 and designated
generally by the reference numeral 10. The pillow 10 is shown in
use by a person 12 having a head 14 and a pair of ears 16. The
pillow 10 includes a center section 18 and a pair of end sections
21 and 23. These end sections 21 and 23 are disposed on opposite
sides of the central section 18 and are bent therefrom in a common
direction so that the pillow 10 has a generally U-shaped
configuration.
With the pillow 10 formed in this manner, it is particularly
adapted to support the head 14 in a relaxed elevated position so
that the spine of the person 12 is correctly positioned to
facilitate rest or sleep. With the head 14 resting on the center
section 18 of the pillow, the end sections 21 and 23 engage the
sides of the head 14 thereby maintaining it in a comfortable
position squared with the shoulders of the user.
These end sections 21 and 23 snugly engage the ears 16 to attenuate
any environmental sounds which might otherwise interfere with rest.
Thus the pillow 10 facilitates relaxation by providing a soft
supporting surface, by positioning the head 14 and spine with
correctness and ease, but also by acoustically quieting the sleep
environment. A spring 28 may also be provided to extend through the
center section 18 and bias the end sections 21 and 23 into a snug
fit against the ears 16 of the person 12. The pillow 10 can be
provided with a pair of speakers 25 and 27, best shown in FIG. 3,
which can be connected through a conductor 30 to an audio source
such as a cassette or compact disc player 32. The pillow 10 may
also include a pillow case 34 which is closed in the illustrated
embodiment by a pair of draw strings 36.
The construction of the pillow 10 will be more apparent with
reference to the exploded view of FIG. 2. With more specific
reference to FIG. 2a, this embodiment of the pillow 10 is
illustrated to include a core 41 which is cut in the U-shaped
configuration from a soft compliant material such as foam rubber.
In a preferred method of manufacture, the core 41 is cut from a
block of foam rubber which is four inches thick, twelve inches long
and eight inches wide. The center section 18 of the core 41 extends
generally along the length of the foam block while the end sections
21 and 23 extend generally along the width of the foam block.
After cutting, as illustrated in FIG. 2a, the core 41 in this
embodiment has a top surface 43, a bottom surface 45, a side
surface 47, and two end surfaces 50 and 52. Each of these surfaces
43-52 comprise outer surfaces in that they face away from the
interior of the U-shaped core 41. An inner surface 54 is the only
surface which faces inwardly of this U-shaped configuration. With
this shape, the core 41 can be described as having an elongate
configuration extending along an axis 61 where the end sections 21
and 23 are bent along the axis 61 in a common direction.
In a preferred embodiment, a cross-section taken perpendicular to
the axis 61 may have a uniform rectangular configuration, a
separation of about six inches between opposing ends of the inner
surface 54 provides each of the end sections 50, 52 with a
rectangular configuration and dimensions of three inches by four
inches in this particular embodiment. The end surfaces 50, 52 will
typically be formed in a common plane while the surfaces 43 and 45
will be generally parallel. The inner surface 54 and side surface
47 are curved but have similar shapes so that these surfaces also
have a generally parallel relationship in this embodiment.
It is to be understood that these relationships of the surfaces and
the specific dimensions disclosed for this particular embodiment,
may vary widely within the concept of the invention which benefits
primarily from the U-shaped configuration of the core 41.
After the core 41 has been formed, a slit 65 can be cut in the core
41 to receive the speakers 25 and 27 previously discussed. In a
preferred embodiment, this slit extends between the axis 61
inwardly toward and generally perpendicular to the surface 54. In
this case, the slit 65 has a generally planar configuration and is
disposed intermediate between and generally parallel to the
surfaces 43 and 45. With this configuration, the slit 65 is
particularly adapted to receive the spring 28 and/or the speakers
25, 27.
In addition to the slit 65, a slot 67 can be formed in the plane of
the slit 65 to extend entirely across one of the end sections, such
as the end section 23. Communicating with the slit 65, the slot 67
provides a channel through which the conductor 30 can be laid to
engage the speakers 25 and 27 in the slit 65 while exiting the
pillow 10 through the slot 67 at the side surface 47.
After the core 41 has been formed and the spring 28 and/or speakers
25, 27 have been positioned within the slit 21, the core 41 can be
covered by a layer of fiberfill 70 best illustrated in FIG. 2b. In
a preferred embodiment, a 24 inch by 30 inch sheet of nine ounce
fiberfill is wrapped around the center section 18 and up the side
sections 21 and 23 of the core 41. Importantly, the layer of
fiberfill 70 overlaps itself in proximity to the inner surface 54
as shown by the arrow 72 in FIG. 2b. In this location the
overlapping fiberfill 70 adds softness and compliance to the area
which supports the head 14 of the person 12.
After the core 41 has been wrapped with the fiberfill 70, this
combination can be compressed and loaded into a cover 76, best
illustrated in FIG. 2c. In a preferred embodiment, the cover 76 is
sewn from one piece of a polycotton batiste material. This piece of
material can be sewn along a seam 79 into the configuration of a
tube 78 where the ends of the tube are closed by generally circular
end panels 81 and 83. A reinforced hole 85 can be formed in the
tube 78 to enable the conductor 30 to exit the cover 76. The core
41 and fiberfill 70 are most easily loaded into the cover 76 by
leaving an opening 87 in the seam 79 at the center section 18. This
opening 87 can be hand sewn to complete the cover 76.
As a final step in the manufacturing process, the core 41,
fiberfill 70 and cover 76 can be loaded into the pillow case 34.
This pillow case 34 will typically be configured not only for its
structural features but also its aesthetic appearance. Thus in a
preferred embodiment, the pillow case 34 is formed in the
configuration of a tube 90 by joining two pieces of colorful
material along an inner seam 92 and an outer seam 94. These two
seams 92 and 94 in a preferred embodiment lie in a common plane
with the axis 61 and the slit 65 associated with the core 41.
The tube 90 of the pillow case 34 has a generally constant
circumferential dimension between its ends 96 and 98 which are
preferably left open to facilitate loading the core 41 into the
case 34. These ends 96 and 98 are circumferentially hemmed and the
drawstrings 36 are laced through the hems in a conventional manner.
By pulling the drawstrings 36, the ends 96 and 98 of the case 34
can be gathered around the end sections 21 and 23 of the core
41.
A opening 101 can be left in the outer seam 94 of the pillow case
34 to provide an exit for the conductor 30. It may also be
desirable to provide one or more pockets 103 on the outside of the
case 34 to accommodate storage of the conductor 30 and perhaps the
audio player 32 when the pillow 10 is not in use. In a preferred
embodiment, the pocket 103 is formed over the exit hole 101 so that
the conductor 30 cannot be seen when it is stored in the pocket
103.
In a further embodiment of the invention, a tote bag 110 is
provided to receive the pillow 10. In a preferred embodiment, the
tote bag 110 is formed from two pieces of material which are
partially joined at their perimeters along a seam 112. A handle in
the form of a shoulder strap 114 can be attached to the bag 110
along the seam 112. A storage pocket 116 may also be provided on
the inside of the bag 110.
In a preferred embodiment, the pillow case 34 is provided with an
opening 121, best shown in FIG. 8, along the outer seam 94 in the
vicinity of the center section 18 This opening 121 which is defined
by edges 122, is provided with a zipper which alternatively closes
or opens the opening 121.
The tote bag 110 is also provided with an opening 130 in the seam
112. In a preferred embodiment, the tote bag 110 is permanently
attached to the pillow case 34 at the respective openings 130 and
121. Thus the edges 132 of the opening 130 are sewn to the edges
122 of the opening 121. Importantly, the edges 132 are sewn to the
edges 122 interiorly of the pillow case 34 and the zipper 123. With
this configuration the tote bag 110 can be stuffed through the
opened zipper 123 and the opening 121 to reside within the pillow
case 34 in a stored position, when the pillow 10 is in use. When
the pillow is no longer being used, the zipper 123 can be opened to
permit the tote bag 110 to be withdrawn from the pillow case 34.
From this position, illustrated in FIG. 8, the bag 110 can be
turned inside out or everted over the pillow 10 as illustrated in
FIG. 9. In this tote position, the zipper 123 is hidden and the
opening 121 remains open.
In the foregoing description, the spring 28 has been mentioned only
briefly but may be of particular interest to several embodiments of
the invention. This spring 28 which will typically be a leaf
spring, may be formed from plastic, metal or any other material
providing the desired spring characteristic. The spring will be
formed in the U-shaped configuration with its ends biased toward a
closed relationship rather than an open relationship. When disposed
within the core 41, these characteristics of the spring 28 will
bias the end sections 21 and 23 of the core toward each other to
provide the desired snug engaging fit with the ears 16 of the
person 12. In a particular embodiment, it may be desirable that the
slit 65 not extend in the direction of this spring bias. In such a
case, a slit could be provided to extend toward the axis from
either the top surface 43, the bottom surface 45 or the side
surface 47. The slit 65 discussed with reference to FIG. 2a seems
to be best suited for an embodiment which includes both the spring
28 and the speakers 25 and 27. In such an embodiment, the speakers
25 and 27 may be mounted on the ends of the spring 28 to form a
subassembly which can be loaded directly into the slit 65.
These are just a few of the many variations on the foregoing
concept which are all deemed to be within the scope of the
invention. Other variations in the types of material, the location
of seams, and the types of closure mechanisms will be readily
apparent to those skilled in the art.
Given these wide variations, which are all within the scope of this
concept, one is cautioned not to restrict the invention to the
embodiments which have been specifically disclosed and illustrated,
but rather encouraged to determine the scope of the invention only
with reference to the following claims.
* * * * *